Cancer guide
Colon cancer
By Cura Editorial Team ·
One of the most preventable cancers — screening from age 45 catches most cases before they become invasive, and MSI/MMR testing shapes modern treatment.
Symptoms of colon cancer
Early signs, which ones need a same-week doctor visit, and what screening looks like.
Read the symptoms guideWhat to ask after a colon cancer diagnosis
The questions that shape treatment — biomarkers, staging, surgery, chemo, second opinions.
Read the questions guideWhat to know first
- Screening (colonoscopy or stool-based tests) is recommended starting at 45.
- Rising rates in adults under 50 — don't dismiss symptoms because of age.
- MSI/MMR testing determines whether immunotherapy is an option.
When to see a doctor
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- A change in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks
- Unexplained anemia, weight loss, or abdominal pain
Frequently asked questions
What are the early warning signs of colon cancer?
The signs that most often lead to a colon cancer diagnosis are: blood in the stool or rectal bleeding; a change in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks; unexplained anemia, weight loss, or abdominal pain. Any of these lasting more than a couple of weeks is worth a same-week appointment, even though most turn out to be something else.
When should I see a doctor about possible colon cancer?
See a doctor promptly if a symptom is new, persistent, or getting worse rather than better. Describe when it started, how often it happens, and what makes it better or worse — that detail is what decides whether you get imaging or testing at the first visit.
What should I know first about colon cancer?
One of the most preventable cancers — screening from age 45 catches most cases before they become invasive, and MSI/MMR testing shapes modern treatment. Screening (colonoscopy or stool-based tests) is recommended starting at 45. Rising rates in adults under 50 — don't dismiss symptoms because of age. MSI/MMR testing determines whether immunotherapy is an option.
What questions should I ask after a colon cancer diagnosis?
Ask what the exact diagnosis is and how it is staged, what the treatment options are and in what order they would happen, what the goal of treatment is, which side effects to expect, and whether a second opinion or clinical trial makes sense for your situation.
Related guides
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Before the first treatment decision
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